Meet our team

Andrew qualified at Guys Hospital in 1986 and developed a passion for restorative dental care early on as an undergraduate. In his final year, he was awarded the Newland Pedley Medal and Prize in restorative care, and was then awarded a House Officer position in the restorative department. This provided the impetus for many post graduate courses to refine his techniques in modern Cosmetic and Restorative care.

He established Oakmead Dental Care in 1989 with Peter Dooley. They had a vision to provide a refreshing approach to dentistry built on a foundation of mutual trust and respect for those people seeking our care. His empathetic nature makes him ideally suited to supporting anxious individuals and children through their dental care.

When not at work, Andrew can be found on the touchlines of some sporting venue supporting his two young sons. He is also active in fund raising for children's charities. He enjoys cycling and trekking and competes in triathlons. One of his most testing challenges so far was the 100km Trailblazer trek completed within 24hrs around Skipton. He found this even more challenging than the trek to Everset Basecamp.

When asked about the practice's philosophy Andrew answers, 'Our patients are the heart of our practice and the goal of our whole team is to provide a top-quality dental experience for them. It is our priority to ensure that our patients receive the exceptional care they deserve. We do not forget they are the reason we come to work every day – it's all about going that extra mile.

Ash qualified from King’s College London – Guy’s Hospital in 2005 and has since worked mostly in private practice. He has developed a keen interest in offering his patients the latest types of cosmetic dentistry, as well as more general dentistry. He strongly believes there are always a number of different options for every patient, and takes time to understand his patients' needs and preferences, so he can come up with a suitable treatment plan together with his patients. His relaxed style has allowed many patients previously put off dentistry to regain their confidence and achieve their goals.

He has continued to undertake further training to keep up with the latest changes in dentistry. This has included further courses in advanced smile makeovers under the supervision of Dr Christopher Orr (President of the British Association of Cosmetic Dentistry). Further training has also taken him into the field of Orthodontics, thus enabling him to offer various types of braces to help achieve a more youthful and natural smile.

Outside dentistry, he enjoys travelling, photography, supporting Liverpool FC and playing golf.

Paul qualified from Queen’s University Belfast, and completed Postgraduate training in Oral Surgery and Sedation at The University of Bristol.

He has worked in practices specializing in Implantology and Oral Surgery for 15 years, and has received training from leaders in Dental Implantology and bone-grafting.

Implant treatments available range from the replacement of a single missing tooth right through to fixed alternatives for denture wearers.

On a more personal level, he is a keen musician and has played guitar in a number of bands, although it appears his music career is destined to remain purely amateur.

Jill joined the practice as soon as Andrew took over. She has a personal, caring approach, alongside exceptional skills in treating a broad spectrum of conditions associated with gum health.

She has an extremely keen interest identifying links between periodontal disease and systemic conditions commonly seen today. She prides herself on providing effective treatments and in particular, helping educate patients of all ages in all areas of gum health. Her clear passion for her work ensures she provides effective, evidence based preventative treatments and oral health education. Her caring and sensitive manner ensures her patients are at ease whilst assisting them to understanding the importance about disease prevention.

She is only too aware that many patients have suffered at the hands of other hygienists who are unsympathetic and very patronizing in the way they deliver their care. Rest assured that you will experience a refreshing approach from Jill.

When not at work Jill will either be found providing a taxi service for her two boys or in training for the next running challenge.

Debbie qualified at the Royal Dental Hospital in London. She is an active member of the Hygiene Society and regularly attends postgraduate meetings.

With over 30 years of experience she has a gentle holistic view of patients and their mouths. She really enjoys the patient interaction and finds it greatly rewarding to improve the gum health of patients who had been told by a previous dentist that ‘they would lose all their teeth!’ Debbie’s treatments may include

• Advice in oral hygiene and dental hygiene education tailored your needs
• Regular monitoring of teeth and gums for the first signs of any problems
• Scaling and polishing teeth and root surface debridement (periodontal treatment) to eliminate harmful plaque and calculus which can result in gum disease
• Advice on diet to help minimise the risk of tooth decay
• De-sensitizing of sensitive teeth: ( applying a special seal to the teeth margins to reduce sensitivity)

 She will work with you to ensure you achieve a healthy mouth and great smile.
When not at work she enjoys the outdoor life walking her dogs or exercising.

I am a registered dental nurse, I qualified in 2000 and have worked at Oakmead for over 17 years! As the head nurse at the practice I often have to wear many different hats, my working day can be somewhat varied!!! More recently i have taken on the role of treatment co-ordinator, my main aim is to provide outstanding customer service to new and existing patients. This enables people to make well informed decisions about their dental treatment in a private room on a one to one basis, I want to make my patients dental experience a comfortable and relaxing one, and I look forward to welcoming you to our lovely practice. Outside of work i enjoy listening to live music and I go to as many concerts as I can. I love spending time with my family and friends, I enjoy long walks and often do them for charity.

I am a nurse and a receptionist at Oakmead. I have worked here for 10 years and I qualified in 2009. My regular work here is as a Nurse however, I am always more than happy to step into a Receptionist role when needed and I enjoy both of these things equally. I really enjoy interacting with my patients and making them feel as relaxed as I can. The team here have all worked together for many years and we all get along very well, it is a very friendly and happy environment to work in and there is always a laugh a day!! This clearly comes across to our patients as they often comment on it and say it makes them feel more relaxed if they feel a little anxious. I have recently come back from maternity leave, so in my spare time I love to spend time with my gorgeous new daughter, and if i have any time leftover i dabble in the beauty industry.

I am a qualified Dental Nurse here at Oakmead. My role on a day to day basis is to assist the dentist in all procedures and help with the smooth running of the practice. A large part of my duties is to make my patients feel at ease and as comfortable as possible whilst they are here with us. I have worked at the practice for 6 years now and completed my NVQ in Dental Nursing soon after I started. All of the staff here are friendly and dedicated, and we have all worked here for a number of years and know each other really well, this creates a friendly environment which our patients seem to really like. In my spare time I enjoy swimming and reading when I'm not busy chasing after my twins!!!

I have lived in East Grinstead since the age of 9, I am married with 2 adult Sons and 3 Grandchildren. I have worked at Oakmead for over 20 years and we all enjoy a good working relationship which leads to a happy practice. Patients often remark on this. I enjoy the interaction with patients as many of them have been coming here all their lives. It is nice to be able to take peoples minds off any forthcoming treatment which many find stressful. I was able to introduce all of my Grandchildren to the Dentist so they see it as an enjoyable experience.

Having worked as a draughtswoman since leaving School, I decided to take a career change where I could be more involved with helping the Community. I joined Oakmead in 1986 as a full time Receptionist and am now in my 30th year of service. I believe my most importnant role at work to be greeting patients and make them feel as welcome and relaxed on their arrival as I can. Other duties include telephone enquiries, booking appointments and generally assisting in the smooth running of the practice on a daily basis. I have always looked forward to coming in to work. We are a small friendly close team of people who have all worked at the practice for several years. Consequently, we have all got to know each other and especially all our patients really well. I look forward to welcoming you to our practice.

Oakmead Dental Care is a busy, friendly dental practice. It has a great group of people from various disciplines who have moulded together into a vibrant and professional team. I have been here for seventeen years and enjoy working with these wonderful people. I also enjoy the interaction between myself and the patients.

I am a dental receptionist who greets you with a smile as you come through the front door. An important part of my role is to put patients at ease and also ensure that the dentist knows you have arrived. A major aspect of my work is make further appointments when required, taking payments and making sure all the notes and radiographs are ready for the dentist as each patient goes in, sending work to various laboratories. Each week I also send reminders to patients of forthcoming appointments, by email, mobile or traditional letter.

When not at Oakmead I enjoy my calligraphy at home and at the various workshops, where there is always something new to learn. I am the secretary of my local calligraphy group, ‘Lingfield Scribes’. I am also a member of the Richard III Society, a pastime I share with my husband. Finally I am a trustee of a local charity, called ‘Crown of Thorns’, where I also work. This charity promotes the use of the rosary as a means of achieving peace in a troubled world. We send out rosaries, cards and other items all over the world. I am married with a daughter, who is currently studying for her Master’s degree in Photography.

Jess Barnard

Receptionist

Jess supports our front of house team as junior concierge and is passionate about fine detail and excellence in practice. Jess’s experience and skills not only brings support but compliments our exemplary front of house service here at Oakmead.

She provides a main point of contact for all patients which includes the co-ordination of patient treatments.

Jess enjoys the interaction with patients and in working with the clinical team, assists each patient in helping find the most appropriate dental path. She is passionate about her commitment to work; has outstanding customer service and a friendly professional approach. Such interaction; attention to clear detail and leadership skills ensures every patient journey is one to remember for the right reasons.

When not at work, Jess enjoys spending time with her lovely daughter.